Dark-haired Laverick, of Chester Road, East Stanley, County Durham, was wearing a dark blue T-shirt as he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

Blair Martin, prosecuting, said the case should be heard at Durham Crown Court.

He said: “I invite you to send this case to the crown court. It can be tried there as the offence is indictable only.”

He added: “The injured party of the former partner of the defendant. He’s alleged to have accosted her in the street and doused her in petrol and grabbed her and struck matches and flicked a lighter towards her clothing.”

David Malone, defending, agreed the case should be sent to the crown court.

Laverick was remanded in custody to next appear at Durham Crown Court on July 15.